This report from the Kildare Observer 0n 11th November 1914, announces the death of Lord Roberts after catching a chill at St. Omer.
We deeply regret to announce the death of field Marshal Lord Roberts, which took place on Saturday evening at the front. Only on Thursday of last week Lord Roberts proceeded to France to see the Indian troops at present fighting at the front, of which he was Colonel-in-Chief. He contracted a chill and succumbed, after a short illness, to an attack of pneumonia. Lord Roberts was quite fit and well when he left England with Lady Aileen Roberts (his daughter) and Major Lewin, his son-in- law, on Wednesday of last week. The party had rough weather when crossing to France, but Lord Roberts showed no sign of distress upon landing. In fact, so well was he that he accomplished everything in France that he went to do.
On Thursday and Friday he visited by motor car the British bases and camps, discussing affairs with the leading officers, and his Lordship's chief purpose, the inspection of the Indian troops, was also fulfilled.
It was not until dinner on Friday night that he complained of feeling a slight chill, and being subject to more or less trilling chest troubles, he followed his usual course and went to bed early. Usually these attacks were amenable to home treatment, but as his temperature increased rather then dropped a medical man was summoned, his diagnosis put a serious opinion that Lord Roberts was in an extremely critical condition.
His Lordship complained occupations, his highest obligation were faithfully discharged in a room specially set apart for players for the household, while Sunday morning invariably found him at church. If he had visitors they would be seen in his nephew. He would always walk to church rather than give Sunday work to his chauffeur or coachman. Every institution in Ascot having for its object the good of the inhabitants had his warm support.
Although the present war had put an additional strain on Lord Roberts, it did not excite him beyond what might be expected of an old soldier. He, of all men knew it would come sooner or later, and though it came perhaps sooner than he expected it did not find him unprepared.
The Press Bureau on Wednesday morning issued a lengthy account of the funeral service of Lord Roberts at the General Headquarters in France:- It was an impressive scene as the remains of the ex- chief of the British army were conveyed with Military Honours from the house where he died, through the town in which are at present stationed General Headquarters, to the Town Hall, where the funeral service was performed. The route was lined with British and French troops.
To the wail of "Flowers of the Forest" from pipers the long cortege moved up the street in the following order:- British Cavalry, French Cavalry, Territorials, Indian Detachments, Regimental Officers, the Maire and other French Officials, Indian Officers, Officer of the French mission with the British Army Officers of the General Headquarters staff, and the French General Officer's Personal staff, and the Commander-in-Chief. The gun carriage, escorted by eight General Officers acting as Pall Bearers: representatives of Earl Roberts family; The Prince of Wales, representing the King; Sir John French, representing the King of the Belgians; Prince Arthur of Connaught; Colonel V. Huquet, representing the French President; French Cavalry, and Royal Horse Artillery.
The service was held in the Vestibule of the Maine, which had been converted into a temporary chapel, furnished with an altar and beautifully decorated with flowers. The whole of the Officers attending were accommodated within, and the Prince of Wales and Prince Arthur stood at one end of the Bier. The service was conducted by Rev. F.J. Anderson of "Now the Labourer's task is over" and "O God, our help in ages past".
At the conclusion of the service the "Last Post", blow by British Buglers, rang out across the square, and brought to those present the realisation that they had followed their old chief for the last time.
The interment took place at St. Paul's, London on Thursday, the King being present.
For an in depth account of his funeral: http://www.garenewing.co.uk/angloafghanwar/articles/roberts_funeral.php
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